Instacart Gift Cards (2025): How to Buy, Send & Redeem
Whether it’s the holidays, a birthday surprise, a thank-you for a teacher or coworker, or just because you care, Instacart gift cards are one of the most thoughtful, convenient, and flexible ways to support family, friends, employees, or even yourself. They are a perfect last-minute gift that is convenient. However, many people are unsure about how to purchase, send, redeem, or check these grocery credits.
This updated 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know about buying, sending, redeeming, and checking your Instacart gift card balance so that you can give (or receive) the gift of groceries with total confidence. For other ways to save, check our guide on Instacart Savings Hacks.
Where to Buy Instacart Gift Cards in 2025
You have numerous easy options for purchasing Instacart gift cards in 2025. They are available in both digital and physical formats, typically priced between $25 and $500. You can buy Instacart gift cards online for instant delivery or pick one up in-store if you want a physical card for gifting.
Here is where to get them:
- Direct from Instacart: Instacart.com/gift-cards (best for digital delivery with custom messages).
- CVS & Walgreens: Grab one at the checkout line.
- Kroger: In-store or online.
- Best Buy: Usually offers digital codes for immediate use.
Gift options: Digital cards (instant delivery or scheduled email) and Physical cards (perfect for wrapping).
Bulk and Corporate Purchases
Need more than one? Instacart also supports bulk and corporate gifting. Businesses can order virtual grocery cards in quantity, great for:
- Employee rewards
- Customer thank-you gifts
- Holiday bonuses
You can request large orders directly through Instacart for custom delivery solutions.
How to Send an Instacart Gift Card to Someone
Sending an Instacart gift card digitally is quick, easy, and a great way to personalize your gift. Here is precisely how it works in 2025:
- Choose the Amount: Usually between $25 and $500.
- Enter Recipient Details: Name, email, and an optional personal message.
- Schedule the Delivery: Send immediately or pick a future date (great for birthdays or holidays).
- Pay and Confirm: Check out using your preferred payment method.
Important: Once you send a gift card, you can’t recall or modify it. Always double-check the recipient’s email.
How to Redeem an Instacart Gift Card
Do you have a gift code? Redeeming it is simple. Once redeemed, the credit is added directly to your Instacart wallet as a promotional balance that automatically applies at checkout.
Redeem on the Mobile App
- Open the Instacart App.
- Tap “Account” (usually represented by your profile icon).
- Tap Credits & Promos.
- Select Redeem a Code.
- Enter your gift code and tap Redeem.
Redeem on Desktop
- Log in at instacart.com.
- Go to Account > Gift Cards.
- Enter your code in the Redeem field.
- Click Redeem.
Key details: Once redeemed, the balance is locked in your account and cannot be transferred. Instacart gift cards don’t expire.
Where Gift Cards Can & Can’t Be Used
Here’s precisely where your Instacart gift card works, and where it doesn’t:
Valid for:
- Groceries (including delivery fees and taxes)
- Service fees
- Delivery tips
Not valid for:
- Instacart+ membership subscriptions
- Alcohol (varies by state laws)
- Prescriptions or other regulated items
Note: You can’t use the same gift card across multiple accounts. Once added, it stays with that user profile.
How to Check Your Instacart Gift Card Balance
Instacart makes balance checking easy; no separate website is required. Your reloadable balance lives in your account.
How to Check:
- Log in (mobile app or web).
- Go to Account.
- Tap or click Credits & Promos.
- Look for Available Credit or Fresh Funds.
Your checkout credit balance (including gift cards and other credits) is listed. It’s automatically applied to your next eligible grocery order.
Troubleshooting Gift Card Issues
Even though redeeming a virtual grocery card is easy, here are common issues and fixes:
- Code not working? Double-check spelling. Codes are case-sensitive. Ensure you’re pasting it in the correct redeem page field.
- Already redeemed? Log in to your account > Credits & Promos. It may already be applied.
- Sent to the wrong email? Contact Instacart support ASAP via help.instacart.com. They may help correct or resend it in exceptional cases.
- Expired link? Only the delivery email’s link may expire; the actual credit on the account never does.
Pro Tip: Always save the gift email and gift code until you see it in your Instacart wallet.
Gift Cards vs Fresh Funds – What’s the Difference?
Are you confused about Instacart Gift Cards versus Fresh Funds? You’re not alone. Here’s a clear comparison from our Fresh Funds guide:
| Feature | Gift Card | Fresh Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Purchased by user/others | Given by Instacart (refunds, promos) |
| Transferable? | No | No |
| Use for Membership? | No | Sometimes |
| Expire? | Never | May expire (check expiration date) |
Creative Ways to Use or Gift Instacart Cards in 2025
Do you need ideas for how to make the most of an Instacart gift card?
- Holiday gifts: Perfect for parents, grandparents, or anyone who loves easy grocery delivery.
- College students: Help your kid survive finals week with a $50 virtual grocery card.
- Wedding registries: A practical, memorable add-on for newlyweds.
- Employer perks: Reward staff with corporate gifts for top performance.
- Client thank-yous: A professional but personal gesture that stands out.
- Support for low-income households: Combine with EBT orders to cover non-SNAP items.
FAQs: Instacart Gift Cards
Can I transfer an Instacart gift card to someone else after redeeming it?
No. Once you redeem it, the balance is tied to your Instacart account and cannot be transferred to another account.
Can I use a gift card and a credit card in the same order?
Yes! Your gift card balance will apply first. Any remaining charges are billed to your saved payment method.
Can I refund a gift card purchase?
Generally, no. Instacart gift card sales are final. However, if you sent it to the wrong email address, please get in touch with support immediately, and they may be able to assist you.
Where do I see my gift card redemption history?
Log in and go to Account > Credits & Promos. All your redeemed codes and available checkout credits will be listed.
Do Instacart gift cards expire in 2025?
No. Instacart gift cards never expire once purchased or added to your account.
Conclusion!
Instacart gift cards are one of the easiest ways to share the gift of groceries, from busy parents and students to seniors and friends. Whether you’re buying a $25 card for a neighbor or setting up a corporate gift program for your team, it’s a convenient and thoughtful way to help.
If this guide helped you, please share it with a friend or family member who is buying or sending their first Instacart card. Send some grocery love today!